Brazilian VLM-1

[jmiraglia]

Conception of Brazilian VLM-1.

It can be easily converted for an ICBM.

[baldusi]

I might be mistaken, but isn't any fully solid LV almost an ICBM?

[Danderman]

I might be mistaken, but isn't any fully solid LV almost an ICBM?

Isn't any satellite launch vehicle a potential ICBM? Since Brazil doesn't have nukes, it doesn't matter that the VLM throw weight would be really low, cause things that don't exist don't have weight.

[Art LeBrun]

I might be mistaken, but isn't any fully solid LV almost an ICBM?

Quite true - both Vanguard and Juno 1 could have masqueraded as ICBMs (in theory which created the myth of the super USSR ICBM in 1957 BUT a satellite LV does not need the accuracy of an ICBM).

[baldusi]

Any cryogenic LV has considerably difficult logistics to be used as an ICBM. Not that it can't, but you'd have low response time and complicated launch times. Hypergolic are better, but still not optimal (case in point, Scud).
Solids can be stored in near launch state, so are considered the best solution for military applications.
All South America has signed the NNPT, Argentina might have had a prototype (depending whom you ask). So it shouldn't be considered that risky. In fact, the Brazilian Nuclear submarine will make use of Argentine reactor technology (and French), with Brazilian fuel. But the fact is still that it's an almost ICBM.

[Vahe231991]

I found this link that is of relevance to the VLM-1:
https://www.dlr.de/content/en/articles/news/2021/04/20211007_s50-rocket-motor-for-microlaunchers.html

The S50 solid-fuel rocket motor is intended to power the first two stages of the VLM-1 and is a joint project between the German research institute DRL and Brazil's Instituto de Aeronáutica e Espaço (IAE).

[PM3]

The current plan for VLM-1 is:

- test and qualify the S50 engine
- launch the suborbital VS-50 rocket in August 2023
- work towards an orbital VLM-1 launch in 2025

VLM-1 payload capacity will be 30 kg to 300 km LEO.

https://revistapesquisa.fapesp.br/lancamento-ainda-distante/

[ErickSoares3]

Update as late 2023/early 2024

VS-50 static test:  June 2024;
VS-50 V01 (suborbital): 2024;
VS-50 V02 (suborbital): 2025;
VLM-1 V01 (orbital): March 2027;

Sources: Foguetes brasileiros, Folha de S. Paulo and Revista pesquisa

[ErickSoares3]

Update as late 2023/early 2024

VS-50 static test:  June 2024;
VS-50 V01 (suborbital): 2024;
VS-50 V02 (suborbital): 2025;
VLM-1 V01 (orbital): March 2027;

Sources: Foguetes brasileiros, Folha de S. Paulo and Revista pesquisa

VS-50/VLM updates as of 7 March 2024:

VS-50 second engine test ignition: June 2024;
Deliver of the 5th VS-50 flight capable engine by the Avibrás: December 2024;
Deliver of the DLR developed systems: December 2024;
Integration tests between the IAE and DLR systems: Jan-Feb, 2025;
Readiness of the Alcântara Launch Center: until February 2025.
VS-50 V01 launch window: March 2025;
Deliver of the 6th engine and the VS-50 V02 rocket: until December 2025;
VS-50 V02 launch window (launch of the ESA "Hexafly"): March 2026;
Signing of the new contract for the production of the VLM S-50 engines: until March 2026;
Deliver of two VLM S-50 engines: until December 2026;
VLM-1 V01 launch window: March 2027.

Source: Cronograma Oficial do VS-50 COM DATA DE LANÇAMENTO - this page also has the official Freedom of Information release by the Brazilian Space Agency.

[ErickSoares3]

Update as late 2023/early 2024

VS-50 static test:  June 2024;
VS-50 V01 (suborbital): 2024;
VS-50 V02 (suborbital): 2025;
VLM-1 V01 (orbital): March 2027;

Sources: Foguetes brasileiros, Folha de S. Paulo and Revista pesquisa

VS-50/VLM updates as of 7 March 2024:

VS-50 second engine test ignition: June 2024;
Deliver of the 5th VS-50 flight capable engine by the Avibrás: December 2024;
Deliver of the DLR developed systems: December 2024;
Integration tests between the IAE and DLR systems: Jan-Feb, 2025;
Readiness of the Alcântara Launch Center: until February 2025.
VS-50 V01 launch window: March 2025;
Deliver of the 6th engine and the VS-50 V02 rocket: until December 2025;
VS-50 V02 launch window (launch of the ESA "Hexafly"): March 2026;
Signing of the new contract for the production of the VLM S-50 engines: until March 2026;
Deliver of two VLM S-50 engines: until December 2026;
VLM-1 V01 launch window: March 2027.

Source: Cronograma Oficial do VS-50 COM DATA DE LANÇAMENTO - this page also has the official Freedom of Information release by the Brazilian Space Agency.

On March 5, 2024, it was announced an additional R$ 487,000.00 (U$ 97,891.43, according to Google conversion of March 25, 2024) investment by the Brazilian Aeronautics on the VLM-1 project. source

[Rik ISS-fan]

DLR has started integration of the S50 thrust vector assembly onto the S50 motor for the second static firing test.
https://www.instagram.com/moraba_dlr/reel/C38UrrRikoU/

[ErickSoares3]

After years of financial difficulties, it seems that Avibrás, the main defense and launch vehicles company from Brazil (responsible for the S-50 engine), has just been sold off to an Australian group. Source. The company is still to release an official announcement on their website.

[ErickSoares3]

After years of financial difficulties, it seems that Avibrás, the main defense and launch vehicles company from Brazil (responsible for the S-50 engine), has just been sold off to an Australian group. Source. The company is still to release an official announcement on their website.

Update and translation from this source

Press Release - 01/04/24 - Australian company DefendTex advances in negotiations to acquire Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial

Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial and DefendTex announced that they have been in advanced negotiations to make a potential investment that aims at Avibras' economic and financial recovery, in order to maintain its manufacturing units in Brazil, resume operations as soon as possible and maintain the supply provided for in the contracts with the Brazilian government and other customers.

Both companies are committed and working diligently to finalize the specific terms and conditions of the investment and will keep the market informed.

 

About Avibras

Avibras is a Brazilian technology and innovation company with unique industrial capacity and recognized worldwide for the excellence and quality of its products, systems and engineering solutions in the areas of Aeronautics, Space, Electronics, Vehicles and Defense. With over 60 years of experience, Avibras has consolidated its position as one of the world's leading companies in the Defense and Aerospace segment.

About DefendTex

DefendTex is an Australian-based international defense company and an established leader in multi-domain asymmetric warfare solutions. Providing world-leading defense technologies, DefendTex's capabilities include precision guided weapons, energy, rocket manufacturing and loitering munitions. DefendTex has extensive experience in collaborative research and has commercialized revolutionary defense technologies.

[ErickSoares3]

Update as late 2023/early 2024

VS-50 static test:  June 2024;
VS-50 V01 (suborbital): 2024;
VS-50 V02 (suborbital): 2025;
VLM-1 V01 (orbital): March 2027;

Sources: Foguetes brasileiros, Folha de S. Paulo and Revista pesquisa

VS-50/VLM updates as of 7 March 2024:

VS-50 second engine test ignition: June 2024;
Deliver of the 5th VS-50 flight capable engine by the Avibrás: December 2024;
Deliver of the DLR developed systems: December 2024;
Integration tests between the IAE and DLR systems: Jan-Feb, 2025;
Readiness of the Alcântara Launch Center: until February 2025.
VS-50 V01 launch window: March 2025;
Deliver of the 6th engine and the VS-50 V02 rocket: until December 2025;
VS-50 V02 launch window (launch of the ESA "Hexafly"): March 2026;
Signing of the new contract for the production of the VLM S-50 engines: until March 2026;
Deliver of two VLM S-50 engines: until December 2026;
VLM-1 V01 launch window: March 2027.

Source: Cronograma Oficial do VS-50 COM DATA DE LANÇAMENTO - this page also has the official Freedom of Information release by the Brazilian Space Agency.

Update: 2024 engine test was delayed until 2025. Everything above will be delayed. Source

[Rik ISS-fan]

So while DLR MoRaBa has set up a dedicated team to the development of the VS-50 guided sounding rocket.
Aviobas comes up with another half year delay for the static firing test, while DLR integrated the gimbaled nozzle onto the S50 stage for the test.
Sorry this is going to be a harsh post.
Given the fact that the VS-50 is very oversized for most of the uses DLR MoRaBa could have for it.
Given the fact that the VS-50/VLM project has been delayed for more than five years.
Given that the VS-50/VLM project fraks of the USA in the USA-German relations, because Germany helps Brazil to guided missile technology. That could easily be repurposed to military use.
Given that solids are less flexible and more dangerous in operation, and have more harmfull exhaust products than liquid or hybrid rockets. And there are three German companies with functional rocket motors, and DLR has worked on several others as well. Besides there are several other European alternatives.
I actually hope that DLR MoRaBa is considering if resources are spent well on the VS-50/VLM-1 program, or if these resources could better be spend on another rocket.
Europe needs independant acces also to suborbital space. aka hypersonic and guided suborbital rockets.
It might be time to put the VS-50/VLM program out of it's miserie.
(just one European nerds opinion.) 
Europe needs a replacement for MAXUS and launcher for Expert, SHEFEX III, Hexafly, etz.

https://www.instagram.com/moraba_dlr/p/C8MJjqINoWM/?img_index=1

[ErickSoares3]

So while DLR MoRaBa has set up a dedicated team to the development of the VS-50 guided sounding rocket.
Aviobas comes up with another half year delay for the static firing test, while DLR integrated the gimbaled nozzle onto the S50 stage for the test.
Sorry this is going to be a harsh post.
Given the fact that the VS-50 is very oversized for most of the uses DLR MoRaBa could have for it.
Given the fact that the VS-50/VLM project has been delayed for more than five years.
Given that the VS-50/VLM project fraks of the USA in the USA-German relations, because Germany helps Brazil to guided missile technology. That could easily be repurposed to military use.
Given that solids are less flexible and more dangerous in operation, and have more harmfull exhaust products than liquid or hybrid rockets. And there are three German companies with functional rocket motors, and DLR has worked on several others as well. Besides there are several other European alternatives.
I actually hope that DLR MoRaBa is considering if resources are spent well on the VS-50/VLM-1 program, or if these resources could better be spend on another rocket.
Europe needs independant acces also to suborbital space. aka hypersonic and guided suborbital rockets.
It might be time to put the VS-50/VLM program out of it's miserie.
(just one European nerds opinion.) 
Europe needs a replacement for MAXUS and launcher for Expert, SHEFEX III, Hexafly, etz.

https://www.instagram.com/moraba_dlr/p/C8MJjqINoWM/?img_index=1

Man, I agree. The Avibras company (the Brazilian side of the program) is a mess, and it  may or may not be sold to a Chinese company (that would really freak Washington out). Talking with space journalists in Brazil, it is clear that the Air Force (direct responsible for rocket technology) never had any real interest on space launch technologies (the VLS-1 program was long delayed and it ended in a lethal disaster - the program only officiallly ended in 2016, when it was clear that its tech was long outdated).

[Tywin]

Hello Erick (I have your exact name too jeje) do you have any information if Garatea-L continue alive?

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=45637.msg2529210#msg2529210

[ErickSoares3]

Hello Erick (I have your exact name too jeje) do you have any information if Garatea-L continue alive?

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=45637.msg2529210#msg2529210

Hi! Nice hahaha Well, the last news on Garatea-L are from December 2023 and it is currently being considered in the early selection process from the Brazilian Space Agency as part of the Brazilian side of the Artemis program.